written by Leonard Cohen

© Sony ATV Songs LLC (BMI)



Oh the sisters of mercy 

    they are not departed or gone

They were waiting for me 

    when I thought that I just can't go on

And they brought me their comfort 

    and later they brought me this song

Oh I hope you run into them

    you who've been traveling so long



Yes, you who must leave everything 

    that you cannot control

It begins with your family 

    but soon it comes 'round to your soul

Well I've been where you're hanging 

    and I think I can see how you're pinned

When you're not feeling holy 

    your loneliness says that you've sinned



Well they lay down beside me

    I make my confessions to them

They touched both my eyes 

    and I touched the dew on their hem

If your life is a leaf 

    that the seasons tear off and condemn

They will bind you with love 

    that is graceful and green as a stem



When I left they were sleeping 

    and I hope you run into them soon

Don't turn on the lights 

    you can read their address by the moon

And you won't make me jealous

    if I find they have sweetened your night

We weren't lovers like that 

    and besides it would still be all right

We weren't lovers like that 

    and besides it would still be all right